FAQs

1. What is the March of the Living – Western Region program and who participates in this experience?

March of the Living – Western Region is part of the single largest Jewish educational program for teens in the world. The March of the Living brings thousands of Jewish teens from all over the world to Poland for the week of Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) and then to Israel, for the week of Yom Hazikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom Haatzmaut (Israel Independence Day).

2. What are the dates of the trip?

The dates of March of the Living – Western Region are April 28 – May 12, 2019

3. For whom (at what grade levels) is March of the Living – Western Region appropriate?

March of the Living – Western Region is open to students in grades 11-12. Be aware that this program requires emotional maturity due to the subject matter.

4. Does March of the Living conflict with the AP exams?

As the dates of the March vary based on the holidays, this varies every year. Check the teen track AP exam link for current year.

5. How do I get excused from my public school classes to participate?

A letter that can be given to your school counselor that details the March of the Living experience will be provided.

6. Is security a program concern?

Security and safety are a high priority throughout the March.

7. What religious practices or expectations are there; is the food Kosher?

The program is set up to accommodate the religious needs of all its participants. All food in Poland and Israel is certified kosher.

8. What are the requirements for acceptance to this program?

Completed application forms and all supporting documentation which you will receive, i.e., medical forms, releases and standards of behavior; plus a letter of recommendation, a personal interview and the student’s attendance at ALL Orientation Sessions that will take place in the months prior to the trip, must all be received or completed as will be indicated, in timely fashion. Acceptance to March of the Living – Western Region, upon completion of these requirements, is at the discretion of the Regional Director.

9. What is the itinerary for the program?

The itinerary varies, but typically includes a week in Poland visiting Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz and Birkenau, and Lublin. The week in Israel, commemorating Yom Hazikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and celebrating Yom Haatzmaut (Israel Independence Day), includes visits to places of historical and contemporary significance.

10. Is this a really depressing trip?

We have found that visiting the sites in Poland, while filled with emotion, is also quite uplifting and affecting in very positive ways, because there are thousands of Jewish teens from all over the world experiencing it together. There is a mental health professional with the group at all times. The Israel portion of the trip is powerful and inspiring, and students come away from March of the Living knowing that they have experienced a life-changing event.

11. Will I still be eligible for Birthright Israel if I participate in March of the Living?

You can participate in the Birthright Israel Program when you are between the ages of 22 – 26 years old.

12. If I have additional questions or concerns, whom should I contact?